Freshmen legislators seek to revamp South Carolina constitution

A bipartisan group of freshmen legislators called Thursday for revamping the state's 123-year-old constitution, but Democratic support appeared to be wavering hours after the proposal seeking voter-approval for a constitutional convention was introduced.

State Rep. Micah Caskey, a first-term Republican lawmaker from West Columbia, issued a statement Thursday morning saying that major changes are needed in the state's current constitution, which was approved in 1895.

Caskey said the 1895 constitution "was notoriously borne out of 'Pitchfork' Ben Tillman's explicit motivation to elevate the power and influence of white South Carolinians at the expense of black citizens."

"The resulting state government structure diffused responsibility throughout the General Assembly and subjugated the executive and judicial branches to the legislature," he said. "The legacy of Tillman's effort continues to shackle us today.

"Today's initiative seeks to restore balance in state government.

"South Carolina's governor must have the authority and control to lead the executive branch through a cabinet form of government that is not dominated or micromanaged by the legislature. Likewise, the judiciary must be an equal branch of government that is appointed with participation from both the executive and legislative branches."

Caskey's statement listed 18 Republican and eight Democratic freshmen lawmakers as sponsors of legislation that would add a referendum on a constitutional convention to the ballot in the November general election. The Republicans backers include Sen. Richard Cash of Piedmont, Rep. Jason Elliott of Greenville, Sen. Rex Rice of Easley and Sen. William Timmons of Greenville.

Two Democratic women named in Caskey's statement — Sen. Mia McLeod of Columbia and Rep. Rosalyn Henderson-Myers of Spartanburg — were not listed as sponsors by Thursday afternoon.

Rep. Rosalyn Henderson-Myers(Photo: Submitted photo)

"My name was put on there erroneously," Henderson-Myers said.

Two other Democratic House members — Michael Rivers of Beaufort County and Ivory Thigpen of Columbia — said Thursday afternoon that they were unsure if they would continue to serve as sponsors of the legislation.

Trav Robertson(Photo: Submitted photo)

Trav Robertson, chairman of the South Carolina Democratic Party, issued a statement describing the proposal for a constitutional convention as "nothing more that an attempt to oppress every woman in South Carolina."

Robertson said Cash's support for the proposed constitutional convention was a sign that it is a "back-door way" to infringe on the ability of women to make medical choices with their physicians. He noted that Cash is a staunch supporter of legislation that seeks to outlaw abortions in the state.

Richard Cash speaks during the Republican Party forum for eight candidates running for SC Senate District 3 seat on Monday, April 3, 2017 in Anderson. (Photo: Katie McLean/ Independent Mail)

Cash did not immediately return a message seeking comment.

Sen. Mike Fanning(Photo: Submitted photo)

One of the legislation's Democratic sponsors, Sen. Mike Fanning of Fairfield County, said he will continue to push for a state constitutional convention. He also expressed "complete and utter disgust" with Robertson's attack on the measure and its backers.

Although Republicans control both the House and Senate, they would still need support from at least some Democrats to reach the two-thirds majority required in each chamber to put a referendum on the November ballot.

Caskey said he realizes there is little chance of lawmakers approving the proposal this year.

"It took us four years to pass a moped bill," he said. "The intent is to start a conversation. This is not something that is going to go away."

Follow Kirk Brown on Twitter @KirkBrown_AIM and email him at kirk.brown@independentmail.com